BROOKLYN, NY —
On Thursday, February 5, A. Fantis School celebrated the International Day of the Greek Language, an annual observance on February 9th that was recently proclaimed by UNESCO, honoring the Greek language’s enduring legacy and global influence.
First, students participated in Greek spelling bee competitions across multiple grades, reinforcing language skills while celebrating a spirited academic challenge.
Then, students across PreK–8 participated in hands-on, grade-level activities designed to promote Greek language and culture through creativity, interdisciplinary learning, and shared tradition.
Activities included storytelling with Greek letters (Kindergarten–Grade 1), Carnival mask design and painting (Grades 2–3), an exploration of connections between Greek language and mathematics (Grade 4), and lessons connecting Greek letters to the school’s core values (Grade 5).
Older students created theatrical masks inspired by ancient Greek comedy and tragedy (Grade 6), while the 7th graders participated in preparing traditional lagana bread, and finally, the 8th graders constructed kites while learning related Greek terminology.
“The Greek language is more than a subject we teach; it’s a living bridge to history, identity, and a way of thinking”, said Panagiota Lilikaki, Assistant Principal of A. Fantis School. “Seeing students engage through art, storytelling, food, theater, and friendly academic competition captured exactly what we want learning to feel like: joyful, rigorous, and meaningful”.
The celebration was developed and led by the school’s Hellenic Studies team: Evie Dimitriadou (HSD Chair), Evangelos Chaziroglou (Greek Teacher ), Cait Henneberry (Art Teacher), Theodoros Alvanos (Music & Performing Arts), Merkouris Moschovis ( PE Teacher), and Matina Demeli (Preschool), in collaboration with the full faculty.
A. Fantis School was honored to welcome distinguished guests who joined the celebration, met students, and toured the campus: Ms. Iphigenia Kanara, Consul General of the Hellenic Republic in New York; Mr. Kyriakos Pogiatzis, Consul General of the Republic of Cyprus in New York; and Ms. Stella Kokolis, President of the Federation of Greek American Educators.School leadership, including Dr. Katherine Tsamasiros (School Committee Chair), Theodore Tasoulas (Principal), Panagiota Lilikaki (Assistant Principal), and Fr. Evagoras Constantinides (Dean of the Cathedral), welcomed and accompanied guests throughout the day.
About A. Fantis School
A. Fantis School is a top1% ranked PreK-8 Greek Orthodox School in Brooklyn Heights, founded by Saints Constantine & Helen Cathedral over sixty years ago. The school blends rigorous academics with the Paideia/Socratic approach, Greek heritage, and Christian values, guiding students in character and scholarship toward success in NYC’s competitive high schools.
